entertaining, realistic, easy-to-read, page-turner, romantic, happily-ever-after, wonderful-characters, original
@evershirepublishing @KLynSmith @RosanneELortz @CarolineWarfield @GLRobinson
My reviews
Showing posts with label entertaining. Show all posts
Showing posts with label entertaining. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Hearts in Bloom: A Regency Anthology (Regency Anthologies)
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
The Earl's Courtship of Hope: Historical Christian Romance (Brides of the Regency Book 2)
Greatly entertaining characters. Sophia is trying to get through her last season without getting married. Her subterfuge usually worked quite well to repel. Richard is a rogue. Her overhears Sophia's opinion of him and decides to change, apologize to all the women he had wronged and set things right with them. Sophia and Richard get together in the most interesting, twisting journey. The delightfulness of them both and the slightly steamy romance make it hard to put the book down. Genuine feelings come through and enrich the experience. Very, very good read.
I received this book free from the author and Book Sirens book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#TheEarlsCourtshipOfHope #BookSirens #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #GraceRomance #HistoricalChristianRomance #IsabelJacobs
My reviews
Monday, October 20, 2025
Clara and the Cowboy by Erica Vetsch
Fast moving western. Clara came home from finishing school hoping to get closer to her friend Alex. He doesn't feel worthy because of his past but had been brought to faith by Clara and her mother. Romantic struggles evolve as a plot is gradually uncovered about the disappearance of cattle and horses from the ranch. Nicely told story that unfolds beautifully. Easy-to-read, romantic, wonderful-characters, original, realistic, page-turner, entertaining.
I received this book free from the authors, publisher and CelebrateLit book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#ClaraAndTheCowboy #EricaVetsch #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #ChristianHistorcalRomance #WildHeartBooks
About the Book
Book: Clara and the Cowboy
Author: Erica Vetsch
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Release Date: October 13, 2025
She’s the rancher’s daughter. He’s the reformed outlaw who became her father’s foreman. Love was never part of the plan.
Clara Bainbridge has loved Alec for years, long before she left for finishing school in Boston. And though she is convinced he loves her too, he seems determined to push her away now that she’s back. So when the handsome stranger who protects her during a stagecoach robbery reveals that he is her new neighbor, Clara begins to wonder if accepting his suit might be wiser than waiting for Alec.
Ranch foreman Alec McConnell has worked hard to overcome his criminal past and prove himself worthy of Colonel Bainbridge’s trust. When cattle start disappearing from the Cross B Ranch, Alec’s checkered past makes him the prime suspect. He must catch the real rustlers to clear his name, but his growing feelings for the Colonel’s daughter, Clara, threaten to undo everything he’s built. How can he protect her when his very presence in her life could destroy her reputation?
Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
Best-selling, award-winning author of The Debutante’s Code, first in the Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery Series, Erica Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum.
More from Erica
Did you, like me, grow up watching westerns on tv? I watched often in reruns as the heyday of the TV Western was waning about the time I was born. But I watched Gunsmoke, The Big Valley, Bonanza, Have Gun, Will Travel, The Rifleman, Wagon Train, The Virginian, and more.
And so grew my love of the old west, of cowboys, cattle drives, frontier justices, and rolling tumbleweeds.
I also read westerns. Zane Grey, Louis L’Amour, Abel Shott (Yes, that was the pen name of the man who wrote the series called Solo Strand: The Silver Kid.) I was a firm believer in The Code of the West.
So, when it came time to write my own ‘cowboy book’ I took much inspiration from the screen and the page.
Clara and the Cowboy is the story of Alec and Clara, a cowboy and the ranch owner’s daughter. There’s cattle rustling, gunplay, good vs. evil, a damsel in distress…all the best parts of western classic lore. I had such fun writing it, influenced by those who had written the genre before me.
The setting was chosen (Southwest Idaho) because of a series of books I had read as a teen, written by Glenn Balch, about a ranching family near Nampa, ID. I’ve never been to that part of the US, but I felt as if I had because I read those books (many times!)
As I look back on the hours I spent watching classic westerns on tv and reading western fiction, I’m reminded of the impact they had on my life. How they taught that good and evil exist in the world, and that it takes bravery to stand up and do the right thing. I learned that honor and integrity do not come without cost, and that actions have consequences.
Who would have thought that watching a rerun of The Big Valley would instill a desire to embrace the cowboy culture through my own fiction?
I hope you enjoy reading Clara and the Cowboy, and that perhaps it takes you back to your own childhood of rooting for the man in the white hat to get the girl he loves before the credits roll.
Blog Stops
Texas Book-aholic, October 14
Book Looks by Lisa, October 15
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 15
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 16
For Him and My Family, October 17
Devoted Steps, October 17
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 18
Devoted To Hope, October 18
Simple Harvest Reads, October 19 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Fiction Book Lover, October 20 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)
Books You Can Feel Good About, October 20
lakesidelivingsite, October 21
Locks, Hooks and Books, October 21
She Lives to Read, October 22
Pens Pages & Pulses, October 22
Books Less Travelled, October 23
Blossoms and Blessings, October 23
Life on Chickadee Lane, October 24
Cover Lover Book Review, October 24
Bizwings Blog, October 25
Melissa’s Bookshelf, October 25
Pause for Tales, October 26
Holly’s Book Corner, October 26
Jodie Wolfe, October 27
Vicky Sluiter, October 27
Book Looks by Lisa, October 15
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 15
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 16
For Him and My Family, October 17
Devoted Steps, October 17
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 18
Devoted To Hope, October 18
Simple Harvest Reads, October 19 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Fiction Book Lover, October 20 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)
Books You Can Feel Good About, October 20
lakesidelivingsite, October 21
Locks, Hooks and Books, October 21
She Lives to Read, October 22
Pens Pages & Pulses, October 22
Books Less Travelled, October 23
Blossoms and Blessings, October 23
Life on Chickadee Lane, October 24
Cover Lover Book Review, October 24
Bizwings Blog, October 25
Melissa’s Bookshelf, October 25
Pause for Tales, October 26
Holly’s Book Corner, October 26
Jodie Wolfe, October 27
Vicky Sluiter, October 27
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Erica is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://sweepwidget.com/c/93121-hnry6w4b
My reviews
Monday, October 6, 2025
On A Midnight Clear: A 3-in-1 Christmas Novella Collection
Can we do 10 stars? A REALLY special group of love and faith stories that will leave you sighing and feeling awwww. As you read wrap yourself in love and enjoy getting to know these wonderful characters and their stories. A lovely way to enjoy your time, something to look forward to whenever you pick it up.
I received this book free from the authors, publisher and CelebrateLit book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#OnAMidnightClear #TraciePeterson #KarenWitemeyer #MistyMBeller #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #ChristianHistorcalRomance #BethanyHousePublishers
easy-to-read, romantic, wonderful-characters, original, realistic, page-turner, entertaining
About the Book
Book: On a Midnight Clear: A 3-in-1 Christmas Novella Collection
Authors: Tracie Peterson, Misty M. Beller, Karen Witemeyer
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: February 5, 2025
Can they find a place to put their hearts and hope this Christmas?
Beloved authors Tracie Peterson, Misty M. Beller, and Karen Witemeyer come together with this festive novella collection inspired by the Nativity story and filled with faith, promise, and romance.
The Shepherd’s Heart by Tracie Peterson
On the frontier, widowed sheep rancher Vincent Duran seeks a mother for his two children. Angel Lewis agrees to marry him despite believing Vincent will never truly love her, but as they work together during a fierce winter storm, will their broken hearts finally find peace, joy, and love?
No Room at the Inn by Misty M. Beller
When Noah Bentwood and his charge are snowed in while traveling through the Rocky Mountains, he must stay in a barn since the stage inn has no vacant rooms. Then innkeeper Hope Palmer’s family heirloom disappears, and she and Noah work together to find it before Christmas. While the snowfall holds them captive, will unexpected feelings bloom?
A Star in the West by Karen Witemeyer
Friendly correspondence with Stella Barrington evolves into something more when Harvard mathematics professor Frank Stentz arrives in Waco, Texas. As the two experiment with extending their relationship beyond letters, an impossible dilemma arises between love and logic. Will her wise man be able to calculate a way for them to be together?
Rediscover the joy of Christmas with these faith-based historical romances from bestselling authors featuring sweet Western frontier stories with themes of marriage of convenience, forced proximity, and friends-to-more.
Click here to get your copy!
About the Authors
Tracie Peterson is the bestselling author of more than 100 novels, with more than 6 million copies sold. Learn more at TraciePeterson.com.
USA Today bestselling author Misty M. Beller writes romantic mountain stories woven through with the truth of God’s love. Learn more at MistyMBeller.com.
Bestselling and award–winning author Karen Witemeyer pens historical romance with a flair for humor and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Learn more at KarenWitemeyer.com.
More from Misty
When Friends Join Forces…Magic Happens!
For me, teaming up with my dear friends Tracie Peterson and Karen Witemeyer has created pure Christmas magic!
Ever since I was young, Christmas stories have held a special place in my heart. There’s something truly enchanting about the season—the warmth, joy, and love that seem to fill the air. And when you combine that with the charm of a good story? It’s absolutely irresistible! Can you relate?
I’ve also long been a HUGE fan of Tracie Peterson and Karen Witemeyer. Their books have been favorites of mine for years, and I’ve read so many of them multiple times. The chance to join them on this Christmas novella collection, On a Midnight Clear, has been a dream come true in every way.
If you love Christmas books as much as I do, you won’t want to miss On a Midnight Clear. This collection is our holiday gift to you, our readers—stories filled with the wonder of the season, unforgettable characters, and the timeless message of love and hope.
We hope these novellas bring the same joy and warmth to your heart as they brought to ours while writing them.
So, curl up with your favorite blanket, grab a cup of cocoa, and let the magic of On a Midnight Clear transport you to a world of Christmas cheer.
Merry Christmas reading!
Misty
Blog Stops
Library’s Lady Kid Lit, September 30
Madi’s Musings, September 30
The Avid Reader, October 1
lakesidelivingsite, October 1
Simple Harvest Reads, October 1 (Guest Review from Marilyn)
Melissa’s Bookshelf, October 2
Pens Pages & Pulses, October 2
Inkwell Inspirations, October 2
Devoted To Hope, October 3
Leslie’s Library Escape, October 3
By the Book, October 3
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 4
Devoted Steps, October 4
Texas Book-aholic, October 5
Maureen’s Musings, October 5
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 6
Books You Can Feel Good About, October 6
She Lives To Read, October 7
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 7
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 8
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, October 8
Locks, Hooks and Books, October 8
For Him and My Family, October 9
Blogging With Carol, October 9
Vicky Sluiter, October 10
Pause for Tales, October 10
Jeanette’s Thoughts, October 10
Stories By Gina, October 11 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, October 11
Bizwings Blog, October 12
Life on Chickadee Lane, October 12
Cover Lover Book Review, October 12
Holly’s Book Corner, October 13
Blossoms and Blessings, October 13
The Bookish Pilgrim, October 13
Madi’s Musings, September 30
The Avid Reader, October 1
lakesidelivingsite, October 1
Simple Harvest Reads, October 1 (Guest Review from Marilyn)
Melissa’s Bookshelf, October 2
Pens Pages & Pulses, October 2
Inkwell Inspirations, October 2
Devoted To Hope, October 3
Leslie’s Library Escape, October 3
By the Book, October 3
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 4
Devoted Steps, October 4
Texas Book-aholic, October 5
Maureen’s Musings, October 5
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 6
Books You Can Feel Good About, October 6
She Lives To Read, October 7
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 7
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 8
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, October 8
Locks, Hooks and Books, October 8
For Him and My Family, October 9
Blogging With Carol, October 9
Vicky Sluiter, October 10
Pause for Tales, October 10
Jeanette’s Thoughts, October 10
Stories By Gina, October 11 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, October 11
Bizwings Blog, October 12
Life on Chickadee Lane, October 12
Cover Lover Book Review, October 12
Holly’s Book Corner, October 13
Blossoms and Blessings, October 13
The Bookish Pilgrim, October 13
Giveaway
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To celebrate their tour, Tracie, Karen, and Misty are giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://sweepwidget.com/c/92784-eg7nu2a1
My reviews
Thursday, October 2, 2025
Christmas Mail Order Brides Anthology
Three lovely stories, all unique except for the Matchmaker. Each have their own reasons for or to become mail order brides, each has special circumstances. Wonderful characters, perfectly written. Fun to read, a wonderful way to spend your time before or over the holidays. Loved this book!
I received this book free from the authors, publisher and CelebrateLit book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#ChristmasMailOrderBrides #CarrieTuransky #VickieMcDonough #SusanPageDavis #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #ChristianHistorcalRomance #WildHeartBooks
About the Book
Book: Christmas Mail Order Brides, Anthology
Authors: Vickie McDonough, Carrie Turansky, Susan Page Davis
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: September 9, 2025
Marriage arrives by mail-order—just in time for Christmas.
Ride the transcontinental railroad as three mail-order brides head west in search of new futures. Annika arrives in Wyoming to discover her intended groom is missing. Jolie’s journey to Nevada is derailed by disaster, and Amelia travels to California to wrap up her final attempts at matchmaking. Will the holiday season be the ticket to spark love in unexpected ways?
Click here to get your copy!
About the Authors
Carrie Turansky has loved reading since she first visited the library as a young child and checked out a tall stack of picture books. Her love for writing began when she penned her first novel at age twelve. She is now the award-winning author of more than twenty inspirational novels and novellas. Carrie has won the ACFW Carol Award, the International Digital Award, and the Holt Medallion. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, Scott. They have five grown children and twelve grandchildren who bring them much joy. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her walking around the lake near her home, working in her flower gardens, cooking healthy meals for family and friends, or leading women’s ministry at her church.
Susan Page Davis is the author of more than 100 published novels and novellas in the romance, mystery, historical, and romantic suspense genres. She’s a winner of the Carol Award, Will Rogers Medallion, and the Faith, Hope, and Love Readers’ Choice Award, and a finalist in the Selah Awards and Willa Literary Awards. A Maine native, she now lives in western Kentucky with her husband, Jim.
Vickie McDonough is the CBA, EPCA and Amazon best-selling author of 54 books and novellas. Vickie grew up wanting to marry a rancher, but instead, she married a computer geek who is scared of horses. She now lives out her dreams penning romance stories about ranchers, cowboys, lawmen, and others living in the Old West. Vickie’s books have won numerous awards including the Booksellers Best, OWFI Best Fiction Novel Award, the Inspirational Readers’ Choice awards. When she’s not writing, Vickie enjoys reading, making cards, gardening, and traveling.
More from Carrie
Bringing a Swedish Christmas to the American West
By Carrie Turansky
In my novella, A Trusting Heart, part of the Christmas Mail-Order Brides Collection, Annika Bergstrom, who is originally from Sweden, leaves her home in Chicago and travels to the rugged Wyoming Territory in 1880 to marry a man she’s never met. Though she carries only a small trunk, she brings with her something far more meaningful—cherished Christmas traditions from her homeland.
Swedish Christmas celebrations begin early with the first Sunday of Advent. Annika remembers her mother lighting a candle each week leading up to Christmas, filling their home with warmth and anticipation. In her new Wyoming home, she lights a candle, longing for connection and clinging to faith and hope as she begins this new chapter of life.
As Christmas Eve—Julafton—arrives, Annika prepares a modest version of a Swedish smörgåsbord: roasted ham, root vegetables, and creamy rice pudding. She hides an almond in the pudding, smiling as everyone at the table eagerly searches their bowls. According to Swedish tradition, the one who finds the almond will marry in the coming year. Laughter and joy fill the room, and Annika feels a growing sense of belonging with her new family.
Swedish traditions add depth and richness to A Trusting Heart, reminding us that wherever we go, the light of Christmas can shine brightly—especially when carried by a trusting heart.
We hope you’ll enjoy reading Christmas Mail-Order Brides which includes three novellas: The Prodigal Groom by Vickie McDonough, A Trusting Heart by Carrie Turansky, and Mrs. Mayberry Meets Her Match by Susan Page Davis. Each heartwarming story that will transport you back to a joyful, old-fashioned Christmas.
Blog Stops
Devoted To Hope, September 24
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 24
She Lives To Read, September 25
Pens Pages & Pulses, September 25
Leslie’s Library Escape, September 26
Vicky Sluiter, September 26
Simple Harvest Reads, September 27 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)
Bizwings Blog, September 28
Texas Book-aholic, September 28
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 29
Maureen’s Musings, September 29
Cover Lover Book Review, September 30
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 1
For Him and My Family, October 2
Books You Can Feel Good About, October 2
Blossoms and Blessings, October 3
Holly’s Book Corner, October 3
Jeanette’s Thoughts , October 4
Life on Chickadee Lane, October 5
Pause for Tales, October 6
Jodie Wolfe, October 6
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, October 7
Mary Hake, October 7
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 24
She Lives To Read, September 25
Pens Pages & Pulses, September 25
Leslie’s Library Escape, September 26
Vicky Sluiter, September 26
Simple Harvest Reads, September 27 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)
Bizwings Blog, September 28
Texas Book-aholic, September 28
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 29
Maureen’s Musings, September 29
Cover Lover Book Review, September 30
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 1
For Him and My Family, October 2
Books You Can Feel Good About, October 2
Blossoms and Blessings, October 3
Holly’s Book Corner, October 3
Jeanette’s Thoughts , October 4
Life on Chickadee Lane, October 5
Pause for Tales, October 6
Jodie Wolfe, October 6
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, October 7
Mary Hake, October 7
Giveaway
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To celebrate their tour, Carrie, Vickie, and Susan are giving away a $50 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://sweepwidget.com/c/92608-x04cbuqz
My reviews:
Barnes and Noble
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
The Indigo Heiress: (A Marriage of Convenience Historical Romance Novel Set in 1700s Colonial America and Scotland)
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Enthralling. Become completely immersed and admire Juliet. Set in 1774 she's from a prominent tobacco plantation family but is also involved with the business and understands it's workings and how to run it. It's a shock when on short notice her father orders her to marry a merchant from Scotland. With this wordsmith, it's lovely being engulfed in their lives and lifestyles on each continent, where so much is soon uncovered and with a backdrop of the war in America. This one's a keeper - you'll treasure every moment reading it.
I received this book free from the author and NetGalley bloggers review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#TheIndigoHeiress #NetGalley #LauraFrantz #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #Revell #ChristianHistoricalFiction @LauraFrantz @NetGalley
Description
Virginia plantation life is all she has ever known.
But could the life she was meant to live be waiting on a distant shore?
In 1774, Juliet Catesby lives with her father and sister at Royal Vale, the James River plantation founded by her Virginia family over a century before. Indigo cultivation is her foremost concern, though its export tethers her family to the powerful Buchanan clan of Glasgow, Scotland.
When the heir of the Buchanan firm arrives on their shores, Juliet discovers that her father has arranged for one of his daughters to marry the Scot as a means of canceling the family's crippling debt. Confident it will be her younger, lovelier sister, Juliet is appalled when Leith Buchanan selects her instead.
Despite her initial refusal, Juliet realizes that fleeing Virginia is her only choice after finding herself in the midst of a scandal. The ship just leaving the harbor for Glasgow is her only hope. But she will soon realize that being part of the complex and calculating Buchanan clan is not the sanctuary she imagined--and the man who saved her from ruin is the very one she must now save in return.
About the author
Bestselling, award-winning author, Laura Frantz, has been writing stories since age seven. She is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th-century and her novels often incorporate Scottish themes that reflect her family heritage. She is a direct descendant of George Hume, Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, settled in Virginia, and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying in the years 1748-1750. Proud of her heritage, she is also a Daughter of the American Revolution. Though she will always consider Kentucky home, she and her husband live in Washington State.
According to Publishers Weekly, "Frantz has done her historical homework." With her signature attention to historical detail and emotional depth, she is represented by Janet Kobobel Grant, Literary Agent & Founder, Books & Such Literary Agency of Santa Rosa, California. Foreign language editions include French, Dutch, Spanish, Slovakian, German & Polish.
Readers can find Laura Frantz at www.laurafrantz.net
*Subscribe to Laura's seasonal newsletter and receive new release information, news about contests, giveaways, and reader events, sneak peaks and teasers, signings and appearances, and more! To subscribe, click here or copy and paste this into your browser's address window:
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